DOHA: To improve the highways, road traffic and safety in the country the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) and US Federal Highway Administration are preparing to cooperate on technology exchange.
A team of experts from the US Federal Highway Administration who are visiting here, held discussions with representatives of Ashghal to find the possibilities of sharing highway technology between Qatar and US.
"The aim of our visit is to come and learn and get a better understanding about Ashghal where it's heading and its relationship with the stakeholders and partners throughout in Qatar," said Stephen Kern, Leader of the Global Technology Exchange Team at Federal Highway Administration speaking at a press conference held at the US ambassador's residence in Doha yesterday.
"I think this is a tremendously fruitful visit. This is the first step and we are very impressed in what we have seen, not only Ashghal but in the whole what Qatar is undertaking," Kern said.
This is the second visit by an expert panel form the US Federal Highway Administration, to Qatar and their discussion have focused on many areas to improve the network of highways including road safety in a wide spectrum of vision.
"We discussed all aspects of transportation and highways in a way to take forward as a whole," said Jamal Al Kaabi, Director Roads and Drainage networks Design at Ashghal.
"We are definitely looking for the future of Qatar with a lot of issues, what we are taking today is a major step. Having a partner such as US Federal Highway will definitely boost our outcomes and it being a partner will definitely be a bigger assert for us," Al Kaabi said.
He also explained that safety taken a major aspect; speed limits on highways especially near schools, walk ways and especial lane for bicycles are important concerns.
"This is not only for 2022, but for generations. We want sustainability. We are looking for the best technology and better solutions," said Al Kaabi.
Speaking at the press conference Joseph LeBaron, US Ambassador to Qatar said: "I'm proud that Qatar has invited the department of Transportation to send a high-level technology exchange team to undertake a technology cooperation visit related to Qatar's roads in preparation for World Cup 2022."
During the discussions between Ashghal and US Federal Highway Administration it has also been suggested about establishing a centre similar to the technology exchange centre in US collect information, best practices, and innovations and share with countries which needs the technology and support in transport.
The type of support and technology which Ashghal will receive from the US federal Highway administration will be finalised soon, according the officials.
© The Peninsula 2011
